My CEO 143

143 Ducks In A Row (Judy)

I've managed to smuggle an untraceable phone into Ashlyn's facility, ensuring we can stay in touch. I mean, the poor girl, she needs someone who cares. Her mother has written her off completely now.

It's only right that I should visit. There's no trouble bribing half the staff to turn a blind eye to Ashlyn using a phone in her bathroom. She contacts me when she can. Later this will come in handy. For now, I'm just pretending I care about Ashlyn. A few minutes later, my phone buzzes.

A: I'll do anything for Jayden

J: I know you truly love him.

A: I'm sorry I hurt him

1. He's okay now

A: But he's with her

J: Time will fix it all. Trust me

The irony isn't lost on me. Ashlyn's obsession with my son is both her greatest strength and her ultimate weakness. As long as she believes she's doing this for him, she'll follow my lead.

I delete each text right away, ensuring there's no trace of our communication.

I pour myself a glass of wine and sink into my favorite armchair. The plan is working. Slowly but surely, I'm regaining control. Winona will slip up, and when she does, I'll be there.

To take Abby and Jayden back where they belong. With me.

I think back to the day of the shooting. I told Ashlyn where Winona would be, knowing she had a gun. I didn't anticipate Jayden's heroic act, but in the end, it worked out. He survived, and now I have another chance to remove Winona from our lives for good. No more attempts at her life though. I've learned that lesson now. As I sit there, savoring my impending victory, my phone buzzes again.

A: When will I see Jayden like you promised?

Ashlyn at bay is part of the delicate balancing

to

I'll keep her in line. After all, she's just another pawn in my game. And I always win. The satisfaction

it in a silent toast to the future. A future

ever wanted.

Gus. He's taking me to dinner. I set my glass down and walk to the door. I've given the staff the night off

with that usual suspicious look in his

Ducks lu &

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says, stepping Inside. "Are you

course." I lead him into the living

crossed, his gaze piercing. "I know you're up to something.

diffuse his suspicion. "Gus, I'm not up to anything. I'm just

"You expect me

shrug, feigning nonchalance. "Believe what you want, Gus.

steps closer, his voice lowering. "You forget, Judy, I know you. I've seen you at your worst. I

anything for my son. Maybe if you talked to him, told him you found out I tried to call off the whole thing with the accident,

see him happy, to spend time with Abby. And who knows, maybe I

about, you

me, even a

wanted to bring me to Europe for years. Maybe giving Gus what he wants is the way to get Jayden to be more reasonable about

I'm watching you. Don't think for a second that I won't

to appear sincere. "I understand, Gus. I appreciate you looking out for Jayden. For all of us." He sighs. "I hope you're being honest. Because if you're not, it's going to come back to haunt you.' I sit down across from him, feeling a surge of confidence.

restaurant in the city that's supposed to be fantastic. We're booked

Let me

soft and sincere. "Gus, I really do want to make things right. For all of

expression softening. "Alright, Judy. I'll talk to Jayden. But you better not make me

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